The sanctioning body has ordered Denzel Bentley, its middleweight champion, to face No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger Yoenli Hernandez.

As first reported by The Ring’s Mike Coppinger, Bentley and IBF champion Aaron McKenna had a deal in place for a unification bout that was set to take place later this year. However, the sanctioning body confirmed to The Ring that Bentley (22-3-1, 18 KOs) must face Hernandez (11-0, 9 KOs) first. The winner of their bout is free to face any champion they choose on any platform and any promotion, including Zuffa Boxing.

“The mandatory was long overdue,” Gustavo Olivieri President of the WBO told The Ring. “When Bentley was elevated to champion (in late July), Hernandez was designated mandatory. Bentley inherited the mandatory obligations of the division. Hernandez petitioned the enforcement and the committee reviewed the division’s activity and pending mandatory, thus ordering its enforcement. A determination was made prior to the proposed unification agreement.”

Both Bentley and Hernandez have 20 days to reach an agreement or a purse bid will be called. They also have 10 days to confirm in writing to the sanctioning body that they are ready, willing, and able to fight each other.

For Bentley, his middleweight reign began following a seventh-round stoppage win over Endry Saavedra for the interim title on April 4. Janibek Alimkhanuly, who held the full title but was suspended due to a positive PED test, moved up in weight, and Bentley was elevated.

Hernandez, a 29-year-old Cuban, now gets his shot at a world title. The Ring’s No. 2-ranked 160-pounder was last seen against Francisco Vernon on August 22. He eked out a close majority decision.